Safety fears cause Haider to quit

Tuesday 9 November 2010 16:18 BST

Zulqarnain Haider

Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider retired from international cricket after admitting he feared for his safety and that of his family.

Haider left the Pakistan team hotel on Monday in Dubai just hours before the fifth and final one-day international against South Africa and flew to London after receiving death threats following his part in Pakistan's victory in the fourth ODI, in which he made 19 not out and hit the winning runs.

The 24-year-old told Geo News: "I have decided it is best for me to retire from international cricket since my family and I are constantly getting threats."

Haider said he did not want to "sell out the dignity and respect of my motherland" by agreeing to throw matches and that and the threats of violence prompted Tuesday's decision.

He continued: "It is best for me to step down because I can't play in these circumstances. But I would like to continue to play domestic cricket. I received death threats to lose the fourth and fifth one-day internationals against South Africa, but I could not compromise the dignity of my country.

"I would rather flee away than sell out the dignity and respect of my motherland. I can assure you that I am safe and sound. I'm not under arrest but I cannot say where I am hiding for the sake of protection of my life."

Haider revealed his problems started when he was approached by an unknown individual prior to the fourth game in the United Arab Emirates.

"When I went out of the hotel to eat dinner once, he came up," Haider said. "He was alone but I felt there were two to three people behind him. I can describe him. He spoke Urdu but I cannot describe the accent accurately.

"He said you will make lots of money if you join us and help us. If not, then staying in the team could be difficult and we can make things difficult for you.